After the easter break the uneven balance of yardings and slaughter numbers typically mask underlying sentiment of the market. Uncertainty of diesel costs and wide-ranging side effects of the Iran conflict on global trade, currency and consumer sentiment continue to muddy the waters. At the moment where rain has been received, demand remains strong.
Indicators saw modest declines this week, with feeder heifers down 16¢ to 392¢/kg cwt and the rest of the major cattle indicators down single digits week on week. The Eastern Young Cattle Indicator (EYCI) eased 15¢ to 808¢/kg cwt. Rain and time off combined to boost demand for cattle in Mount Barker as the Western Young Cattle Indicator jumped 60¢ to 944¢/kg cwt.
Per MLA saleyard reports Dubbo saw more cattle in plainer condition as producers manage stocking rates and move on from lighter cattle and weaners. Roma saw cattle from the south head north as southern exporter buyers were absent. Restocker interest in breeders was limited in Gunnedah. In the interest of cost management and managing pasture for what has been forecast a potentially drier outlook than last season, producers appear to be managing stocking rates.
It was a massive march for beef exports with established markets well and truly covering the declines in volumes to the Middle East. US, South Korea and Japan were all bigger buyers’ month on month and China after a nonchalant start to the year began to flex its muscle with its biggest month since 2019, as exporters rush to get product in under the quota ceiling.
The week ahead….
All indications suggest processors will continue to ramp up back up to the recent high tide marks of weekly slaughter when normal work weeks return.
The cattle market responded positively to lesser throughput and areas of rainfall this week, with prices lifting right across the board. Slaughter has remained historically
The female and young cattle selloff continues as meaningful rainfall eluded much of New South Wales. Slaughter rates have continued to climb, and prices have
High herd numbers and less than ideal seasonal conditions in parts of the country, teamed with seasonal ramping up of activity post-wet season, has meant
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Short week, minor decline
Indicators saw modest declines this week, with feeder heifers down 16¢ to 392¢/kg cwt and the rest of the major cattle indicators down single digits week on week. The Eastern Young Cattle Indicator (EYCI) eased 15¢ to 808¢/kg cwt. Rain and time off combined to boost demand for cattle in Mount Barker as the Western Young Cattle Indicator jumped 60¢ to 944¢/kg cwt.
Per MLA saleyard reports Dubbo saw more cattle in plainer condition as producers manage stocking rates and move on from lighter cattle and weaners. Roma saw cattle from the south head north as southern exporter buyers were absent. Restocker interest in breeders was limited in Gunnedah. In the interest of cost management and managing pasture for what has been forecast a potentially drier outlook than last season, producers appear to be managing stocking rates.
It was a massive march for beef exports with established markets well and truly covering the declines in volumes to the Middle East. US, South Korea and Japan were all bigger buyers’ month on month and China after a nonchalant start to the year began to flex its muscle with its biggest month since 2019, as exporters rush to get product in under the quota ceiling.
The week ahead….
All indications suggest processors will continue to ramp up back up to the recent high tide marks of weekly slaughter when normal work weeks return.
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Data sources: Mecardo, MLA, Bloomberg, DAFF, BOM
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Have any questions or comments?
Decade high slaughter doesn’t dampen market
The cattle market responded positively to lesser throughput and areas of rainfall this week, with prices lifting right across the board. Slaughter has remained historically
Have we got 2023 on our mind?
The female and young cattle selloff continues as meaningful rainfall eluded much of New South Wales. Slaughter rates have continued to climb, and prices have
Supply starts to outpace cow demand
High herd numbers and less than ideal seasonal conditions in parts of the country, teamed with seasonal ramping up of activity post-wet season, has meant
Yards still full of NSW cows
The cattle sell-off kept on keeping on this week with national yardings dipping ever so slightly from last week to the second-highest level for 2026
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Independent analysis and outlook for wool, livestock and grain markets delivered to you as it’s published
Listen to the podcast
Join the Mecardo team for the Commodity Conversations podcast, where we provide short weekly market recaps and longer conversations with guests to discuss the drivers and trends in livestock, grain and fibre markets.
MEET THE TEAM
Our team of market analysts are recognised as leaders in Australian Ag market analysis, providing invaluable insights to help you navigate the ever-changing commodity landscape.
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We don’t just bring you the most up to date market insights. Find out more about Mecardo’s services including risk management advisory, modelling, benchmarking, research & consultancy.